FC Goa goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh becomes the first Indian to be included in the AFC Champions League Team of the Season for his impressive performances in FC Goa’s campaign earlier in the year.

The Gaurs who were the first-ever Indian club to take part in the group stages of the AFC Champions League failed to go past the group but made a mark with some brave and notable performances.

FC Goa drew three matches and lost as many but kept two clean sheets during the campaign.

Young Dheeraj who was part of the India U-17 team at the 2017 Fifa U-17 World Cup produced a string of fine saves throughout the tournament and justified the club’s faith in him.

Dheeraj made 26 saves that included a save from the penalty spot and had an overall save percentage of 86.2.

“The saves from Dheeraj were very good. He needs to improve in his passing because our style is to build up (from the back). He was playing in the national team for the U-17. He was in the Indian Super League playing so much. Now, everybody knows he is a very good goalkeeper. It is amazing to work with Dheeraj,” coach Ferrando had spoken about his goalkeeper during the AFC Champions League campaign.

Dheeraj is now the first-choice goalkeeper of FC Goa in the Hero ISL 2021-22 season and will be crucial in their bid to win a first-ever title.